Aircraft ditching off Masirah Island following multiple engine failures

No fatalities • Masirah Island, Oman • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft performing a maritime survey near Masirah Island was forced to ditch at sea after a series of engine failures and a propeller separation.

What happened

During a maritime survey mission near Masirah Island, an aircraft experienced a rapid succession of mechanical failures. The incident began when the propeller on the fourth engine detached from the engine, which subsequently caught fire. Following this initial failure, the third engine lost power. The situation escalated as the first and second engines also suffered power loss and ceased functioning.

As the aircraft lost altitude due to the loss of propulsion, the crew managed to stabilize the plane at an altitude of 2,500 feet. Despite regaining control, the crew was unable to maintain flight and performed a controlled ditching approximately 8 km away from the coast.

Findings

  • The primary sequence of events was triggered by the separation of a propeller from the number four engine.
  • The loss of the fourth engine led to a fire and a subsequent chain reaction of power loss across the remaining three engines.
  • All 11 occupants were successfully rescued from the wreckage.
  • The aircraft sank into the sea and is considered lost.

Probable cause

The detachment of a propeller from the number four engine caused an engine fire and a subsequent loss of power across all remaining engines.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-03-25 Lockheed P-3 Orion accident near Masirah Island, Oman?

An aircraft performing a maritime survey near Masirah Island was forced to ditch at sea after a series of engine failures and a propeller separation.

Were there any fatalities in the 1995-03-25 Lockheed P-3 Orion accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-03-25 involved a Lockheed P-3 Orion, registration 158217, operated by United States Navy - USN, at Masirah Island, Oman.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The detachment of a propeller from the number four engine caused an engine fire and a subsequent loss of power across all remaining engines.

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